Parkerizing to Nickel

[chibicascade]

I have a RIA 1911 with the parkerized finish that I've been thinking of refinishing. I'd really like tho have a nickel or hard chrome slide on it, but I don't know how it will turn out.
Does anyone know anyplace I could get this done, or would it be possible to do myself? would it be possible to have it with a satin finish and polished sides, and would I need it polished before or after plating?
Any guidance would be appreciated, even if its a "that's not possible"
Thanks in advance!

 

[IndyGunworks]

thats a lot..... nickel plating is NOT something you will do at home. Its a very complicated and in depth process to get it done right. If it were me I would start with a high polish finish then tape off the areas you want to remain polished and bead blast the rest very carefully. Either way its not going to be cheap. several hundred I would guess.

 

[chibicascade]

I found a video online of a guy doing electroless nickel at home. honestly, I'd be fine with paying someone to do the work if I could get it done for around the $200 ish mark.

 

[chibicascade]

obviously, I prefer to get it done cheaper if possible, though. Would I cut down the cost by doing some of the prep work myself?

 

[IndyGunworks]

that depends on the person doing the nickeling.... if they are the person who will stand behind their work, chances are they want to do all the prep as well.

I wouldn't nickel at home but that's just me. Its a cheap gun, so give it a shot.... worst case you can get it cerekoted if it doesn't turn out.

 

[WebSnyper]

Personally, I'd look for a gun with the finish I wanted, rather than put that much money into the cosmetics of an RIA gun. You will never get that money back out of that particular gun.

 

[chibicascade]

I was looking for other GI style two tone 1911s, and I'm just not having much come up. I feel like I got a decent deal on this, so I don't mind putting a little money towards it to get something I'll enjoy.

 

[Squirt239]

If you find anyone that will do nickel plating for $200, let me know. I'll send my work to them.

 

[01deuce]

Here you go.

Price Sheet

 

[Squirt239]

200 for plating, but as I read, the OP is looking for a satin or polished frame/slide.

But thanks for the info

 

[Leo]

As another way of accomplishing your task, can you put the couple hundred with your current gun and trade it in for something that you like the looks of better? I looked into a longer barrel and different sights for my BuckMark. It was cheaper to trade it on one one that came with that barrel and sights.